Perseverance

I know this is a publishing blog, but sometimes I feel the need to veer away from a "writing" message. Last night as I was praying I came to this Scripture that I want to share. Colossians 1:9-13

...we do not cease praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God, strengthened with every power, in accord with his glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light. He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son...

People all over the world suffer daily, but right now, so many with whom I personally interact are having to persevere through family crises, health issues, financial woes. It is so difficult to understand the reasons God allows hardship, illness, suffering--mental and spiritual anguish. So difficult to remember that He allows all this for a reason. But in the midst of trial, remember Colossions; remember He "has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light." Part of that inheritance includes pain and suffering--one look at the crucifixion conveys that. Try to remember, He allows this so that you may acquire "knowledge of his will through spiritual understanding"--because when the physical becomes too much to bear, we see the spiritual more clearly if we lean on Him. He allows this so that through "all endurance and patience, with giving joy to the Father" you might come to be "fully pleasing in every good work bearing fruit."

So, bear good fruit--share your suffering with others. You never know who might be strengthened--even saved--by that bond of commonality.

So, bear good fruit--share your suffering with others. Allow someone the grace and opportunity to pray for you, and thereby to obtain a greater union with God for themselves.

So, bear good fruit--share your suffering with others so that you don't have to bear the burden alone. Allow someone the opportunity to practice the virtue of charity.

And with joy, give "thanks to the Father" After all, "He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son". With a little--OK, sometimes, a lot of--perseverance, He will see you through your trials.

To those of you who have asked for and need prayer, I'm praying for you. If you read this post and need prayer yourself, leave a comment, and I'll be sure to pray for you, too.